I can't remember the model number of my Takamine, but it looks similar to the G330S on their website. It differs in that it has rosewood back and sides, gold tuners, white binding around the fretboard, some kind of fake abalone looking material in the binding and rosette, and the above-mentioned bone nut. Mine does not have a solid top. I believe the solid top Takamines all have an "S" after the number.
I found it. It's the G334 located under discontinued models. It was originally set up very well and is easy to play. One of my main gripes with cheap guitars is the poor action many of them have (lack of attention to nut & bridge, strings 1/2 inch off the the fretboard, unstable neck). Soundwise the G334 is nothing spectacular, but very even. Every note sounds pretty good, but there are no magically ringing highs or thumping lows. I'm sure the ply spruce top has something to do with this. Again, I'm happy with it as a beater that only goes in its case for travel purposes.
This thread reminds me of how long it's been since I sat around playing guitars in music stores. I'm sure there are some Epiphones, Fenders, Yamahas, Seagulls and other low-priced guitars that would do quite well, but at the time the Takamine was the best guitar I could find <$300 and other Takamines were the best guitars I could find short of a D-18 or Taylor 410.
Don't overlook some good buys on used guitars. Many people buy low-end acoustics to learn on, play them a few times and give up.
